High school track and field: San Eli's Michael Johnson returns

San Elizario's Michael Johnson is one of the favorites in the state track meet in the 800- and 1600-meter runs. (MARK LAMBIE — EL PASO TIMES)

San Elizario >> Last season, San Elizario's Michael Johnson helped a break a long dry spell for the Eagles track and field program.

He, along with teammate Daniel Calderon, were the first San Elizario athletes to qualify for the UIL state track and field meet since 1977. Not only that, but Johnson came back from Austin with a silver medal in the 800-meter run in his sophomore season.

Now, as a junior, Johnson is determined to bring San Elizario its first state track and field championship since 1977 at the Class 4A state meet on Friday on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.

Coincidently, the last time a Eagle athlete won a state track and field title, it was Michael's uncle, Raymond Johnson, who won the state title in the 1,600 in 1977.

REPORTER

Mark Rudi

"My sophomore year in cross country is when (my career) really, really took off," said Johnson, who's emerged as one of top track and cross country athletes in the area. "I (went to) state. After that, I set myself saying 'I've got to go to state for track.' And I ended up going to state. Focused, determined I got second place. I did my best, did all I could. This year, I'm determined to hopefully go out and win it.

"He (my uncle) was really excited and was quite pleased about it. He's actually happy I that broke his record in the mile."

Johnson qualified for state in two events, the and 800 and 1,600, after winning both events at the Region 1-4A meet in Abilene two weeks ago. He's seeded third for the 800 (1 minute, 54.44 seconds) and seventh for the 1,600 (4:21.06). His time of 1:54.44 is also ranked No. 10 in the state for the 800.

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In addition to the two regional championships this year, he's also a two-time District 2-4A champion in the 800, won the district title in the 1,600 this season, was the District 2-4A champion in cross country in 2013 and has qualified for the state cross country the past two seasons.

"Michael really has a lot of natural ability," San Elizario boys track and field coach Michael Warfield said. "He's just a phenomenal runner. His work ethic, his desire to win, his desire to make sure that he represents his family and San Eli both to the fullest. He's a just a remarkable young man.

"I told him 'whether right or not, you're carrying the weight of San Eli on your shoulders.' And for him to be so young, he's also mature enough to carry that weight and understand that."

Johnson feels pretty confident heading into the state meet this weekend and he's coming off one of best runs all season. His time of 4:21.06 at regionals in the 1,600 is the best time of the year in that event, shaving off five seconds from his previous best time.

Johnson is also a good student in the classroom and is receiving some interest from Division I schools.

"I've come really far, considering from where I was," Johnson said. "In middle school, I was never the best. I was always in last place and in cross country I would be in the 20s. I knew coming up to high school, I would need to make a mark on myself."

Mark Rudi may be reached at 546-6168.

Who: Michael Johnson

Position: Junior runner on the San Elizario High School track and field and cross country teams.

Of note: Johnson finished second at the Class 4A state meet in the 800-meter run last season, won Region I-4A championships in the 800 and 1,600 this year, is a two-time District 2-4A champion in the 800 and won the district title in the 1,600 this season. Johnson also won the District 2-4A championship in cross country this year.

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